Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Job Creation.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

162 Mr. O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department and the appropriate State agencies continue to pay special attention to the job creation needs of Tallaght; if her attention has been drawn to the concerns in the community regarding the changing situation; if significant announcements are due in respect of Tallaght; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11959/03]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

As I indicated in a reply to a similar question on this matter earlier this year, the agencies of my Department are working to address the employment needs of Tallaght and south County Dublin and they will continue to promote the area for suitable investment projects in the future.

IDA Ireland, the agency with statutory responsibility for attracting foreign direct investment, continues to work with companies in the Tallaght area to secure further projects which will benefit the area. The development of the Digital Park at City West, the installation of the global crossing cable and the four data centres located at the park will serve the Internet infrastructural needs of existing and new businesses. The area is well placed to attract additional business in the technology and e-business sector. A number of companies in the electronics, internationally traded services and software sectors, such as AOL, GE Interlogix, UPS and SAP, have established operations in the Tallaght and City West areas and will continue to grow in line with projections.

In recent months, a world renowned high technology company, Google, has decided to locate in the area. Its decision to locate in Dublin positions Ireland as a prime location for global Internet services. In addition, Takeda Chemical Industries, the Japanese pharmaceuticals company, has begun construction of a new plant at Grangecastle, Clondalkin, which will employ more than 60 people when fully operational. Also in Grangecastle, Wyeth Biopharma currently employs 500 highly skilled people in its new biotechnology facility and this will increase to 1,300 when the plant reaches full capacity.

Enterprise Ireland, the agency with responsibility for indigenous industry development, continues to foster an enterprise culture in the Tallaght and south county areas through its close involvement with local partners. Enterprise Ireland is working closely with 316 grant assisted projects in the south County Dublin area in helping them to increase their competitiveness and exports. The agency also works closely with the institute of technology in Tallaght and has approved funding of €2.54 million towards a new campus innovation centre. Together with the South Dublin County Council, Enterprise Ireland is assisting in tackling local unemployment and, in this context, provided grant assistance to the four community enterprise centres in Tallaght, namely, Main Road, Bolbrook, Brookfield and Killinarden.

Some of the largest higher value added companies in the country are located in the vicinity of Tallaght. During 2002 Enterprise Ireland provided financial support to 61 projects in south County Dublin at a cost of €2.67 million. The Tallaght region has been the focus of special developments over the past decade and now has City West, containing the National Digital Park, and Grangecastle business parks in its immediate environs.

At the micro-enterprise level, the South Dublin County Enterprise Board has, since its inception, supported projects in Tallaght with grants amounting to €2.5 million, assisted in the creation of 560 jobs in the area and provided a comprehensive range of supports and training. The South Dublin County Enterprise Board will continue to assist other groups, including the Tallaght community group, PARTAS, in its enterprise training programmes for the unemployed. The future development prospects for Tallaght are excellent and that with the completion of the Luas project early in 2004, Tallaght is set to become a key player in the development of the greater Dublin area.